CBP agriculture specialists working at area ports ensure Mother’s Day flowers are disease and pest free

EL PASO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at El Paso area ports of entry are busy this week making sure that personal and commercial importations of Mother’s Day flowers are free from insects, pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States. Mother’s Day is observed in Mexico on Friday, May 10. The U.S. observance is Sunday, May 12.

“CBP will typically see an increase in the number of floral imports arriving at area ports of entry in the days leading up to the Mother’s Day observances in our shared communities,” said Hector Mancha, CBP Director of Field Operations in El Paso. “Our hard working and vigilant CBP agriculture specialists are making sure that any imported floral arrangements are free from insects, pests or disease. We ask for the public’s help by having travelers declare all agricultural products they are importing to CBP.”

CBP strongly encourages the public to consult the CBP website before they import floral arrangements so they know which flowers are permissible and which are prohibited or restricted. CBP suggests those who plan to import flowers and plants from Mexico to advise their florist that the arrangements are destined for U.S. delivery.  Some flowers and plant materials commonly found in floral arrangements at southwest border ports of entry are prohibited. Those include chrysanthemums and choysia (a floral filler) due to pest risk.

Roses, carnations, and many other flowers are allowed into the United States after they undergo inspection. However, plants and seeds for growing require a permit to be admissible, and soil cannot be imported from Mexico. All of these types of items must be declared to CBP officers. 

While a relatively small number of harmful pests are found among the millions of stems inspected by CBP, a single dangerous pest could cause millions of dollars of damage to our nation’s crops. CBP recommends that people who wish to import flowers, plant materials, and other agricultural items consult the CBP Info Center section on the CBP website before they travel. They should also declare all items acquired abroad to CBP officers to avoid civil or criminal penalties and reduce the risk of introducing pest and disease to the U.S.

Traditionally, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and the Easter holiday weekend are times when CBP agriculture specialists inspect over a billion flower stems. At international ports of entry, land borders, and international mail facilities, CBP agriculture specialists are the front line in the fight against the introduction of insects, pests and diseases into the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.